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CALLS FOR JAPAN TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN MEASURES TO PROTECT CREATIVE CONTENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE MADE DURING MPA SEMINAR AT 28TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

  • 26Oct 2015

Report Finds Film & TV Industry In Japan Contributes Significant USD103.1 Billion To Economy & Supports 381,368 Jobs

On October 26, UNIJAPAN and Motion Picture Association (MPA), with support from the Embassy of the United States of America and the Federation of Japanese Films Industry (FJFI), partnered together to hold the annual MPA Seminar, the Tokyo International Film Festival’s forum for film industry business, policy and creativity discussion and debate.

Conducted as part of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival and held at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the event featured a dynamic debate about possible measures the industry could adopt to better protect creative content in Japan, and the launch of a new industry economic contribution report.

The MPA Seminar featured remarks from Akira Amari, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, renowned film director Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age, Robots, Gone Nutty, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, RIO, RIO 2), Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia‐Pacific Region MPA, Yasushi Shiina, Director General TIFF, Jessica Webster, Minister Counselor Economic and Science Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America, Keisuke Isogai, Vice Secretary General, Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Cabinet Secretariat, and Tomohiro Tohyama, Attorney at law, Partner, TMI Associates.

Welcoming guests to the seminar, Mr. Shiina, said “We are proud to partner with the MPA again on this important seminar event, which this year focuses on the health and growth of the film and television industry in Japan.”

In a message delivered on behalf of Akira Amari, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, he suggested that the Japanese content industry has an opportunity to develop audiences locally and that Japanese cinema was a dynamic way to represent Japan around the world.

Jessica Webster, Minister Counselor, Economic and Science Affairs Embassy of the United States of America, said that cinema was a medium of “powerful diplomacy”, bringing us closer together in an entertaining and educational way. Japan, she continued, “…was a country that understands the importance of intellectual property and the need to establish measures that effectively protect film and television.”

Keisuke Isogai, Vice Secretary General, Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Cabinet Secretariat, thanked the MPA for supporting the organization’s content protection policies, noting the need to further strengthen measures to best protect Japanese content in Japan and internationally.

A lively panel discussion on Protecting Screen Content in the Digital Age, moderated by Tomohiro Tohyama, Attorney‐At‐Law, Partner, TMI Associates, saw an expert line up of speakers offer commentary on the global practice of blocking infringing websites for copyright.

Masaaki Saito, Chairman & CEO, Recording Industry Association of Japan, spoke of the huge investment in education that has been required to encourage an audience used to equating music content to free to now pay the true value of that content. “We need more than education,” he said. “We need more effective efforts including the possibility of blocking pirate websites, and any other measures that have been proven to work.”

Mike Weatherley, Vice President, Motion Picture Licensing Company (International) Ltd., who acted as UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s Intellectual Property Advisor, provided a thorough illustration of the UK experience of court ordered site blocking: “The U.K. is a strong example of how court ordered site blocking can be introduced and made to work. Only those sites that are proven in court to contain overwhelmingly infringing copyrighted material are blocked. It has become the accepted norm and now we are reviewing the next steps to reduce piracy even further.”

Chris Marcich, President, International, of the MPA, said that the content industries went to some lengths to ensure that the media and public were made well aware of why the content industry wanted ISPs to block access to infringing websites, what would be blocked by the courts, and what would not be blocked. “We found that people responded well to these measures. No one protested. Wide education of the measures was helpful. After a number of sites were blocked, a study from Carnegie Mellon University found that the measure caused a 23% increase in usage of legal streaming services, so the ultimate goal of having people access more legal content is being met.”

Marc D. Fuoti, Founder & Managing Partner, Big Picture International, adding his viewpoint as a long time Japan-based commercial film and television executive, said that he saw a window of six to eight months where the industry could raise awareness about new site blocking measures for application in Japan. “We need to increase the consumption of screen content in Japan, so any measure that helps prevent infringement of creative content here would be an important initiative worthy of adoption.”

In his keynote speech, director Carlos Saldanha spoke about his journey as a filmmaker and his experiences of creating some of the biggest animated films in the last fifteen years. “These days there is a lot of great animation in the market, making it tough to find a day in the calendar to open a big animated film. Now we need consider not just other animation, but live action films as competition for audiences.” Though aware of the importance of marketing considerations in film production, Saldanha encouraged independent filmmakers to create with passion, and focus on the creative process. “How do I stay inspired? I look for work where I can leave the audiences visibly moved after seeing my films in the cinema.”

The event also saw the launch of a report titled “The Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industry in Japan”. The industry contributed a significant USD103.1 billion (11,352.5 billion Yen) into the nation’s economy in 2014 despite facing a range of challenges according to a report prepared by Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. The sector also supported more than 381,368 full time jobs and generated almost USD8.676 billion (955.3 billion Yen) in tax revenues.

Presenting the key findings of the report, Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, MPA, said, “The film and TV industry in Japan has a proud history, renowned for its creativity and innovation around the world. The global digital transition has brought about significant change to the way films and television shows and produced, distributed and screened to audiences ? and this year’s economic contribution report reflects this dynamic evolution. It is a significant economic sector, providing quality jobs and contributing substantially to the economy and to local and international culture. It’s worth celebrating and worth protecting.”

Commenting on the findings, one of Japan’s most well known film industry veterans, Tom Yoda, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO of GAGA Corporation, suggested that Japan’s unique support for DVD and Blu-ray product was explained by the society’s appreciation for packaging - a factor not replicated in the new digital market offerings. This he thought would continue to influence an ongoing viable market for video stores and provide revenue streams contributing to the overall film and television sector.

The report was launched with the support of Japan Satellite Broadcasting Association (JSBA), Foreign Film Importer - Distributors Association of Japan (FFIDAJ), Motion Picture Producers Associations of Japan, Inc. (MPPAJ), Japan Video Software Association (JVA), Japan Cable and Telecommunication Association (JCTA), The Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), Japan Association of Theatre Owners (JATO), and the Compact Disc & Video Rental Commerce Trade Association of Japan (CDV-J).

A copy of the “Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industry in Japan” full report by Mitsubishi Research Institute, along with the one page summary, is available to view and download here

See images from the MPA seminar here


“The Effect of Piracy Website Blocking on Consumer Behavior”


*From left : Marc D. Fuoti / Masaaki Saito / Mike Ellis / Yasushi Shiina / Mike Weatherley / Jessica Webster / Carlos Saldanha / Chris Marcich / Tom Yoda / Keisuke Isogai / Tomohiro Tohyama

RIO & ICE AGE DIRECTOR CARLOS SALDANHA TALKS PASSION & ANIMATION AT MPA-DHU FILM WORKSHOP DURING TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

  • 25Oct 2015

Itsumi Fukuda wins for sumo wrestling friendship tale Dos-Koi!

Renowned film director Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age, Robots, Gone Nutty, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, RIO, RIO 2) headlined the 3rd MPA-DHU Film Workshop held as part of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), revealing to Japan’s new emerging filmmakers the process of creating a hit international feature animation.

The film workshop, developed by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in partnership with Digital Hollywood University (DHU), included a popular one-day intensive masterclass, panel discussion and film pitching competition for emerging Japanese writer/directors. Awards were presented to filmmakers competing in the feature film pitch competition in recognition of the high quality of the film projects and presentation skills of the participants.

Hosting the event, Tomoyuki Sugiyama, President of Digital Hollywood University, said, “In the international film industry, ‘pitching’ is the foremost method of securing an opportunity. We are proud to have this chance to co-host such an amazing competition with the MPA, teaching participants the skills and the ability to improve their synopses and experience pitching in front of global filmmakers.”

Mike Ellis, President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, MPA, said, “Emerging filmmakers face an entertainment environment in constant change ? where their ability to realize the potential of their creative rights is not always secure. These events provide an excellent platform to share ideas, between established and emerging filmmakers from different countries, and work together to build sustainable screen communities.”

Yasushi Shiina, Director General of TIFF, attending the film workshop, said, “We are very happy to work with the MPA on this event, which fulfills a unique role in developing our young filmmakers with the skills they need to communicate their projects to the international industry. Take note of the advice of the professionals and take advantage of this experience so that you can work as a filmmaker all around the world.”

Dale G. Kreisher, Cultural Affairs Officer, Embassy of the United States of America said, “Whether it’s talent or technology, intellectual property rights are critical to the sustainable growth of the industry…. The revenue streams they help generate are the lifeblood of the system that enables new movies to be made.”

In his masterclass, Carlos Saldanha, spoke about his early motivations as a filmmaker: “I think life is about following your dreams. I always loved to draw. But I also loved technology. I wanted to go to art school, but I was told art is not a job, it’s a hobby. I went to study computing. I worked from 9am-9pm everyday including Saturday and Sunday during my Masters’ Degree.” Saldanha illustrated the making of RIO from early development through to completion of production with a fascinating visual look behind the scenes. His message to the emerging filmmakers: “You’ve got to love what you do. Passion is everything.”

The pitching session titled “How to effectively pitch and sell your project to the people that count”, moderated by Lucas Oliver-Frost (who worked with director Peter Chan on Comrades and Perhaps Love, and director Stanley Tong on Jackie Chan: Supercop) involved Carlos Saldanha, Kazuaki Kiriya (Casshern, Goemon and Last Knights starring Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman), and Motoko Kimura, Producer (Watashi-no-atama-no-naka-no-keshigomu, L.DK., Regret, Girls Step, Pure Soul, Happy Retirement and Hotel Concierge). “Pitching is unfamiliar in this industry. Now it is more necessary,” said Ms. Kimura. “When I listen to a pitch, I’m looking for the essential idea and a great package around it.” The panelists agreed that “passion” for the project was an essential element for any successful pitch. “When I pitch, no matter what my recent success, I feel I am pitching a movie for the first time,” said Director Saldanha.

Director Kazuaki Kiriya took a Q&A session with the audience. When asked by one of the participants if he could offer positive advice in an environment which seems increasing tough for filmmakers, Kiriya said that the whole of Asia is opening up and increasingly acts a production centre for films: “In the current digital age, there are no excuses ? if one has a unique personal experience and motivation to tell a story, write a script, film it on a mobile phone ? start somewhere and learn along the way.”

Following a round of intense judging, Itsumi Fukuda was awarded first place for Dos-Koi! ? the story of an insecure American boy who finds a liking for sumo wrestling and with new friends discovers strengths he never knew he had. Itsumi wins a trip to Los Angeles to participate in a comprehensive five-day film immersion program that takes place in early November in the lead up to the American Film Market (AFM).

In recognition of the depth of talent revealed during the competition, Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, MPA, awarded a President’s Special Recognition Prize to Lily Nogi, writer of Paraiso, the story of a clandestine Christian woman who sacrifices her life for love in the time of anti-Christian edicts and national isolation policy in Japan. Lily will attend the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs) in Brisbane, Australia, to engage with some of the most talented filmmakers from across the Asia Pacific.


*Carlos Saldanha / Itsumi Fukuda / Lily Nogi / Mike Ellis

Announcement of Personnel Change

  • 18Aug 2015

Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association, Inc. announces personnel change of representative director decided as follows.

Details of the Change

NameNew Position    Former Position
Michael C. Ellis Representative Director  Director
Takashi Ajimura   Resigned     Representative Director

The Date of Scheduled Personnel Change: September 30, 2015
Announcement of Personnel Change(PDF)

JIMCA LAUNCHES “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD STRIKES BACK” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT COMIC MARKET 88!

  • 17Aug 2015

Between August 14 (Fri) and 16 (Sun), 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Association (JIMCA), with the support of the Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), launched an awareness campaign themed “STOP! Illegal Download” at a corporate booth of the Comic Market 88 held at Tokyo Big Sight.

Along with the exclusive original DVDs of “Tell me about it, Stoppy! -STOP! Illegal Download-” featuring Ms. Aki Toyosaki, which includes clear explanations on “Illegal Downloading” and other educational information, original shopping bags of the animated show “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers)” and “STOP! Illegal Download” were distributed for free.

DVD package and original shopping bags

Photo Opportunities with Ms. Nekomu Otogi |“Rokka-no-Yusha True or False Quiz King Challenge


Talk Show:Ms. Ai Kakuma from “Rokka-no-Yusha”


Talk Show:Q'ulle & Professor Ota



Mr. Yo Ota, Professor of Law School, the University of Tokyo and Partner Attorney of Nishimura Asahi Horitsu Jimusho (Nishimura & Asahi) participating in the Mini-Talk shows at the Comic Market 88 this time, said, “Having talk shows with Q'ulle at a place like Comic Market, I believe that many visitors who came to join us were able to gain more interest in copyright.”

The STOP! Illegal Strikes Back booth received 19,000 visitors, and the campaign concluded with tremendous success. To view the event details, please click here.

JIMCA LAUNCHING “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD STRIKES BACK” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT COMIC MARKET 88!

  • 14Aug 2015

Between August 14 (Fri) and 16 (Sun), 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Association (JIMCA), with the support of the Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), will launch an awareness campaign themed “STOP! Illegal Download”at a corporate booth of the Comic Market 88 held at Tokyo Big Sight.

Comic Market exclusive original DVDs of “Tell me about it, Stoppy! −STOP! Illegal Download-”featuring Ms. Aki Toyosaki and original shopping bags of “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers) & STOP! Illegal Download”will be distributed for free. Events such as “Rokka-no-Yusha True or False Quiz King Challenge”, “Photo Opportunities with Ms. Nekomu Otogi”, “Mini-Talk Shows with special guests, Q'ulle and Professor Ota”, and “Mini-Chat Shows featuring Ms. Ai Kakuma, the voice actress who plays 'Chamot' in Rokka-no-Yusha”, are also scheduled to be held.

Click here to view event details and schedule.
Please come and join us!




*Original shopping bags of “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers) & STOP! Illegal Download”      


JIMCA SUPPORTS COPYRIGHT DIFFUSION AND COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT ERADICATION ACTIVITIES RUN BY THE AGENCY FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS

  • 29Jul 2015

Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) co-produced special educational plastic folders, for distribution to children and students, with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in support of their copyright diffusion and counterfeit product eradication activities.

Featuring character “Bunchan”from the Agency for Cultural Affairs' public relations web magazine “Bunkaru”, educational messages and clear explanations on guidelines for children and students when using the internet to access content were printed on the folders.

These educational folders were distributed to elementary and junior high school students at the “Let's Learn about Intellectual Property Everyone” program as part of the “Children's Kasumigaseki Field Trip Day”held on July 29 (Wed) and July 30 (Thu) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The folders will also be also handed out at the Copyright Classes conducted by JIMCA for elementary students as well as other events by the Agency for Cultural Affairs related to copyright diffusion and counterfeit product eradication.

Children's Kasumigaseki Field Trip Day | From left: Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA; and Mr. Tawara, Director of Office for Promoting Work Distribution, Copyright Division, Commissioner's Secretariat, Agency for Cultural Affairs



*Educational plastic folder      

JIMCA PARTICIPATES IN “HYOGO PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS' JOINT PROJECT FOR PREVENTION MEASURES AGAINST CYBERSPACE CRIMINAL THREATS” PLENARY MEETING

  • 15May 2015

On May 13, 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) attended the plenary meeting of Hyogo Prefectural Government and Private Sectors' Joint Project for Prevention Measures against Cyberspace Criminal Threats, in which the government and private sectors team up to tackle the issues occurring in cyberspace such as crimes using the internet.

Along with JIMCA, one of the constituent members, experts including the police, administrative agencies, college professors, and lawyers participated in this project. Stationed in the Cyber Crime Division of Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters, the secretariat was established to assess both the actual situations and the issues occurring in cyberspace and for government and the private sector to jointly introduce measures through education and public awareness.

Three subcommittees, Information Sharing Measures Subcommittee, Education and Public Awareness Measures Subcommittee, and Environmental Measures Subcommittee, are set up within the project. As one of the initiatives for Information Sharing Measure Subcommittee, where JIMCA serves as a private sector representative organizer, Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, reported that JIMCA produced and provided special educational plastic folders with the theme of “The Internet Rules to Protect Everyone” for children as well as junior and senior high school students.

These educational folders were provided to Japanese nationwide prefectural police via the National Police Agency, and via the Cyber Crime Division of Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters, the folders will be distributed directly to children and students who attend the “The Cybercriminal Victimization Prevention Classes” conducted by the Cybercrime Prevention Center.



*HYOGO PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS' JOINT PROJECT FOR PREVENTION MEASURES AGAINST CYBERSPACE CRIMINAL THREATS      

JAPAN'S CREATIVE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES WORLD IP DAY WITH SPECIAL SCREENING OF “BIRDMAN”

  • 24Apr 2015

On April 24, 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA), with the support of the U.S. Embassy and Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) hosted a special screening of the feature film “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku to celebrate World IP Day. The film has received numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Prior to the screening, Mr. Jason P. Hyland, Charge d'Affaires ad interim, said to an audience of Approximately 200, “World IP Day is a worthy day to applaud the endeavors and talent of the people contributing to the creative industries. Intellectual properties are created by a great number of people putting their hearts and souls into producing the work that enchants people. That is why, today, it is important to think that making a fraudulent use of someone's property is not a victimless crime. America and Japan where creative contents are produced unite their efforts, taking approaches to strengthening intellectual properties. Regardless of old or new titles, I have always loved Japanese movies, animated shows, and music. Besides, Godzilla is giving us a stern look from here. It is an honor for the U.S Embassy to be able to participate in such a program, allowing the artists around the world to receive reasonable rewards. Tonight, let's enjoy the amazing movie set in Broadway “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” together.”


*From left: Mr.Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA; Mr. Jason P. Hyland, Charge d'Affaires ad interim; Mr. Hideyuki Sato, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Planning & Operation, Twentieth Century Fox Japan, Inc.

Mr. Hideyuki Sato, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Planning & Operation, Twentieth Century Fox Japan, Inc. which provided the film for the event, said, “Movies include a shared desire from a great number of people taking part in production and distribution hoping that their movies would be enjoyed. If you see anyone who downloads illegally or buys pirated DVDs, please tell the person that's NO good.”, and introduced the highlights of the movie.

Mr. Yoichiro Hata, Executive Director/ Director General of RIAJ which provided support to the World IP Day special screening, said, “Not only is Music one of the important intellectual properties but it also plays a significant role in the movies. In order to successively develop with the movie industry, the music industry sympathizes with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.” held up by the WIPO and will continue to pour efforts into protecting and promoting intellectual properties.”


*WORLD IP DAY 2015 Get up, Stand up. For Music.

World IP Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, and this year will be the 15th anniversary. Following last year's focus on movies, this year, the creative community celebrates music, with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.”
World IP Day has become an important opportunity to celebrate creativity and innovation and raise awareness about the need to value and robustly protect intellectual property. JIMCA will continue to celebrate this event and looks forward to holding special screening events in the future.

JIMCA SUPPORTS “CYBERCRIME PREVENTION CLASSES” RUN BY JAPANESE NATIONWIDE PREFECTURAL POLICE

  • 27Mar 2015

In support of the “Cybercrime Prevention Classes” and related activities organized by the Japanese nationwide prefectural police, the Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) co-produced 100,000 pieces of special educational plastic folders, for distribution to children and students attending the program, with the Community Safety Bureau and the Cybercrime Division of the National Police Agency.

Along with messages educating students on the negative consequences if one knowingly downloads commercial movie and music files for the purpose of private use from an illegitimate source (i.e. Illegal Downloading), clear explanations about rules to be followed for children and students when using the internet were printed on the folders.

These educational plastic folders will be directly distributed to and utilized by the children and students who attend the “Cybercrime Prevention Classes” organized by each prefectural police and will contribute towards raising awareness of information security and respect for copyright.


*Educational plastic folder

SIMULTANEOUS INTENSIVE CRACKDOWN ON ONLINE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

  • 23Feb 2015

The Anti Counterfeiting Association (ACA)
Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS)
Motion Picture Producer Association of Japan, Inc. (MPAJ)
Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC)
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association(JIMCA)
Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)
BSA|The Software Alliance (BSA)


According to information from the National Police Agency, 38 prefectural police nationwide in Japan conducted a simultaneous intensive crackdown on copyright infringement incidences of movies, music, animation, comics, games, and business software via file sharing software, etc. during the period of February 17th to 19th, 2015, and searched 133 premises. Up to the present time, 9:00 AM on February 20, 40 individuals have been arrested.

For summaries of cases related to the Anti Counterfeiting Assocation (ACA)'s member associations of the incidences uncovered, please refer to the respective association contacts or websites listed below.

The Japanese National Police Agency has executed a Simultaneous Intensive Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software, etc. since the year of 2009, and this operation was the fifth time.

In addition to this, all ACA affiliate associations have participated in the operation of sending out warning messages via emails implemented by the Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF), and have joined the action of requesting individual users who commit distribution of copyright infringement content using file sharing software networks to delete the files.

Along with the National Police Agency, ACA will continue to work closely in conjunction with all relevant ministries and agencies in the future to promote the movement of eradicating counterfeit products and protecting intellectual property.


【Reference 1】
■The Anti-Counterfeiting Association (ACA)
URL:http://www.aca.gr.jp/
 

【Reference 2】
■National Police Agency Public Relations' Press Release
Title: “The Simultaneous Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Incidences Using File Sharing Software, etc.”
URL:https://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/warning/h27/150220.pdf
 

■National Police Agency's Report “Conference Report of Comprehensive Security Measures 2007”
Title: “Issues and Measures regarding Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software such as Winny, etc.”
URL:http://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/csmeeting/h19/pdf/pdf19.pdf
 

■Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF)
URL:http://www.ccif-j.jp/
 

■For information on Individual Incidences:
・Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS)
URL:http://www2.accsjp.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Oota / TEL: 03-5976-5175
・Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
URL:http://www.jva-net.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4432
・Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC)
URL:http://www.jasrac.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Okamura / TEL: 03-3481-2164
・Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA)
URL:http://www.jimca.co.jp/
  P.R. Contact Person: Murakami / TEL: 03-3265-1401
・Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)
URL:http://www.riaj.or.jp/
  P.R. Contact Person: Yonai / TEL: 03-5575-1305

■For information regarding this news release:
・“The Simultaneous Crackdown”(The Anti Counterfeiting Association/ ACA Secretariat)
Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
P.R. Contact Persons: Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4432

THE WINNER OF THE FIRST MPA/DHU FILM WORKSHOP HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD

  • 14Jan 2015

Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) invited Mr. Ryuhei Osako, a 27-year-old writer who received the Best Work Award for his work “Tokijiro” at the 1st MPA/DHU Film Workshop Synopsis Contest held in October 2013, co-hosted by the Digital Hollywood University (DHU), to a five-day comprehensive film business immersion program in Los Angeles.

The program was scheduled for 5 days alongside the American Film Market 2014 - the largest international film trade fair in North America held in November each year in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Approximately 20 young filmmakers from around the world joined this year's program.

In addition to meeting some of the directors, producers, agents, and entertainment lawyers currently working in Hollywood, receiving wider knowledge regarding entertainment business, and getting special tips on “How to pitch a project Hollywood style”, participants experienced a fruitful five days in Los Angeles, including a studio tour to the headquarters of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; participation in a screenwriters' and producers' union gathering; and a field trip to the American Film Market.

Mr. Osako said, “It was a valuable journey which made me realize that there are not only chances in Japan but also more opportunities worldwide. I would definitely like to make the best use of this experience for the future.”